Methods, systems, and devices for maintaining service continuity of a user end device via a direct communication link to a communication relay when the communication relay experiences a mobility event in a mobile network

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining media content from a media content server over a mobile network, and providing the media content to a communication device over a first direct communication link. Embodiments include detecting a mobility event associated with the mobile network, and providing a notification message to a first network device associated with the mobile network. Further embodiments can include obtaining instructions from the first network device, wherein the instructions indicate to provide a mobility event notification. Other embodiments are disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to methods, systems, and devices formaintaining service continuity of a user end device via directcommunication link to a communication relay when the communication relayexperiences a mobility event in a mobile network.

BACKGROUND

In a mobile network (e.g., LTE, 5G, etc.) multiple types ofcommunication traffic can be provided on different communication links.For example, control plane signaling can be provided on one frequencyrange between a base station and a mobile communication relay (i.e.,local manager) in an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) architecture.Further, data traffic can be sent to a millimeter wave (mmW) node by thebase station over another frequency range and the mmW node can transmitthe data traffic to a user end device. Also, the mmW can becommunicatively coupled to the mobile communication relay. In addition,the mobile communication relay can establish a direct communication linkusing a Sidelink protocol to another user end device out of the range ofcoverage area of the base station or mmW node. The mobile communicationrelay can provide the user end device with control signaling informationor data traffic from either the base station or the mmW node to theother user end device. The mobile communication relay can manage thediscovery and link management of one or more user end devicescommunicatively coupled to it via a direct communication link utilizingthe Sidelink protocol. Further, the mobile communication relay canprovide resource allocation/scheduling for the direct communicationlink(s) or provide breakout services by routing traffic for the user enddevices over the direct communication link without involvement of themobile network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment of a communications network in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIGS. 2A-2D are block diagrams illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system functioning within the communication network ofFIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIGS. 2E-2I depict illustrative embodiments of methods in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acommunication device in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for obtaining media content from a media content server overa mobile network, and providing the media content to a communicationdevice over a first direct communication link. Further embodiments caninclude detecting a mobility event associated with the mobile network,and providing a notification message to a first network deviceassociated with the mobile network. Additional embodiments can includeobtaining instructions from the first network device, wherein theinstructions indicate to provide a mobility event notification. Otherembodiments are described in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a device,comprising a processing system including a processor and a memory thatstores executable instructions that, when executed by the processingsystem, facilitate performance of operations. The operations cancomprise obtaining media content from a media content server over amobile network, and providing the media content to a communicationdevice over a first direct communication link. Further operations cancomprise detecting a mobility event associated with the mobile network,and providing a notification message to a first network deviceassociated with the mobile network. Additional operations can compriseobtaining instructions from the first network device, wherein theinstructions indicate to provide a mobility event notification.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a non-transitory,machine-readable medium, comprising executable instructions that, whenexecuted by a processing system including a processor, facilitateperformance of operations. The operations can comprise obtaining mediacontent from a media content server over a mobile network, and providingthe media content to a communication device over a first directcommunication link. Further operations can comprise detecting a mobilityevent associated with the mobile network, and providing a notificationmessage to a first network device associated with the mobile network.Additional operations can comprise obtaining instructions from the firstnetwork device. The instructions indicate to provide a downstreammobility event notification to the communication device, and thecommunication device identifies a group of network devices. Also, thecommunication device determines a signal strength from each of the groupof network devices resulting in a group of signal strengths, and thecommunication device identifies a second network device from the groupof network devices based on the group of signal strengths. In addition,the communication device establishes a second direct communication linkbetween the communication device and the second network device.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a method. Themethod can comprise obtaining, by a processing system and a processor,media content from a media content server over a mobile network, andproviding, by the processing system, the media content to acommunication device over a first direct communication link. Further,the method can comprise detecting, by the processing system, a mobilityevent associated with the mobile network, and providing, by theprocessing system, a notification message to a first network deviceassociated with the mobile network. In addition, the method can compriseobtaining, by the processing system, instructions from the first networkdevice. The instructions indicate to provide a mobility eventnotification. Also, the method can comprise identifying, by theprocessing system, a second network device from a group of networkdevices, and providing, by the processing system, an upstream mobilityevent notification to the second network device. The second networkdevice establishes a second direct communication link between the secondnetwork device and the communication device.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a block diagram is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 100 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. For example, system 100 can facilitatein whole or in part maintaining service continuity for a user end devicecommunicatively coupled to a mobile communication relay over a directcommunication link when the mobile communication relay experiences amobility event. In particular, a communications network 125 is presentedfor providing broadband access 110 to a plurality of data terminals 114via access terminal 112, wireless access 120 to a plurality of mobiledevices 124 and vehicle 126 via base station or access point 122, voiceaccess 130 to a plurality of telephony devices 134, via switching device132 and/or media access 140 to a plurality of audio/video displaydevices 144 via media terminal 142. In addition, communication network125 is coupled to one or more content sources 175 of audio, video,graphics, text and/or other media. While broadband access 110, wirelessaccess 120, voice access 130 and media access 140 are shown separately,one or more of these forms of access can be combined to provide multipleaccess services to a single client device (e.g., mobile devices 124 canreceive media content via media terminal 142, data terminal 114 can beprovided voice access via switching device 132, and so on).

The communications network 125 includes a plurality of network elements(NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the broadband access 110,wireless access 120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or thedistribution of content from content sources 175. The communicationsnetwork 125 can include a circuit switched or packet switched network, avoice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network, Internet protocol (IP)network, a cable network, a passive or active optical network, a 4G, 5G,or higher generation wireless access network, WIMAX network,UltraWideband network, personal area network or other wireless accessnetwork, a broadcast satellite network and/or other communicationsnetwork.

In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other access terminal.The data terminals 114 can include personal computers, laptop computers,netbook computers, tablets or other computing devices along with digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, data over coax service interfacespecification (DOCSIS) modems or other cable modems, a wireless modemsuch as a 4G, 5G, or higher generation modem, an optical modem and/orother access devices.

In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122 can includea 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access point thatoperates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n, 802.11ac or otherwireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124 can include mobilephones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, and/or othermobile computing devices.

In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include a privatebranch exchange or central office switch, a media services gateway, VoIPgateway or other gateway device and/or other switching device. Thetelephony devices 134 can include traditional telephones (with orwithout a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones and/or other telephonydevices.

In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a cablehead-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway or othermedia terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include televisions withor without a set top box, personal computers and/or other displaydevices.

In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include broadcasttelevision and radio sources, video on demand platforms and streamingvideo and audio services platforms, one or more content data networks,data servers, web servers and other content servers, and/or othersources of media.

In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can includewired, optical and/or wireless links and the network elements 150, 152,154, 156, etc. can include service switching points, signal transferpoints, service control points, network gateways, media distributionhubs, servers, firewalls, routers, edge devices, switches and othernetwork nodes for routing and controlling communications traffic overwired, optical and wireless links as part of the Internet and otherpublic networks as well as one or more private networks, for managingsubscriber access, for billing and network management and for supportingother network functions.

FIGS. 2A-2D are block diagrams illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system functioning within the communication network ofFIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.

In one or more embodiments, a mobile communication relay providestraffic (e.g., data traffic or control signaling) to a user end deviceover a direct communication link utilizing a Sidelink protocol. Both themobile communication relay and the user end device may be stationary ormobile relative to each other and/or to fixed network infrastructureequipment such as base stations, roadside units, or other access points.As a result of either the mobile communication relay or end user devicemobility, the measured signal strength or signal quality of both mobilecommunication relay direct communication link to the base station (i.e.,relay link) and/or to the direct communication link utilizing theSidelink protocol to the end user device (i.e., Sidelink access link)may fluctuate above or below configured or specified thresholds andtrigger a mobility event (e.g., handover, Radio Link Failure (RLF) dualconnectivity, cell group change, etc. or a combination thereof) ateither the mobile communication relay or end user device. In addition,radio environment effects such as temporary or permanent link blockageby an object, inter-cell or inter-user interference, or otherenvironmental dynamics may also cause the measured signal strength orsignal quality of both the relay link and the Sidelink access link tofluctuate above or below configured or specified thresholds and triggera mobility event. However, if the mobile communication relay canexperience a mobility event, then the user end device can experience aservice disruption while it establishes a direct communication link withanother mobile communication relay, communications with a base station,or re-establish the direct communication link with the same mobilecommunication relay. In the interim, for example, the Quality ofExperience (QoE) for the user associated with user end device can sufferif the user had been enjoying the viewing of media content (e.g., movie,television program, etc.). Thus, one or more embodimentsprovide/maintain service continuity to the user end device when themobile communication relay experiences a mobility event.

Referring to FIG. 2A, in one or more embodiments, system 200 a includesa base station 202 communicatively coupled to a mmW node 204 utilizingone or more communication links 206 over a mobile network andcommunicatively coupled to a network device 203 over communicationnetwork 205. A coverage area 218 is associated with base station 202within the mobile network. Further, the system 200 a can comprise mobilecommunication relay 212, mobile communication relay 214, and mobilecommunication relay 216 each utilizing a Sidelink protocol (i.e., amobile communication relay utilizing the Sidelink protocol can also becalled a Sidelink Relay). In addition, each of the mobile communicationrelay 212, mobile communication relay 214, and mobile communicationrelay 216 can be a user end device provisioned as a mobile communicationrelay by the base station 202 or mmW node 204. Also, the system 200 acan comprise user end device 217, which can be outside the coverage area218 of the base station. Further, the mobile communication relay 212 canbe communicatively coupled to the mmW node over one or morecommunication links 208 a within the mobile network. In addition, adirect communication link 210 a can be established between mobilecommunication relay 212 and user end device 217 utilizing a Sidelinkprotocol (i.e., a direct communication link utilizing the Sidelinkprotocol can also be called a Sidelink or Sidelink communication link)to exchange data, information, or content. Also, the system 200 acomprises user end device 219 that is outside coverage area 218, anduser end device 217 and user end device 219 can establish a directcommunication link with each other utilizing the Sidelink protocolbetween each other to exchange data, information, or content. Mobilecommunication relay 212, mobile communication relay 214, mobilecommunication relay 216, user end device 217, and user end device 219can each comprise a vehicle communication device, navigation device,mobile device, mobile phone, laptop computer, desktop computer,computing device, etc. In some embodiments, user end device 217 and userend device 219 can be a mobile device, for example, of a user within avehicle. Further, the communication network 205 can comprise one or morewireless communication networks, one or more wired networks, or acombination thereof. In addition, the network device 203 can comprise aserver that assist in providing/maintaining service continuity to userend device 217 and user end device 219 that utilize a directcommunication link 210 a via mobile communication relay 212 when themobile communication relay 212 experiences a mobility event. The networkdevice 203 that comprises a server can include one or more servers inone location, one or more servers spanning multiple locations, one ormore virtual servers in one location, one or more virtual serversspanning multiple locations, one or more cloud servers, or anycombination thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the mobile communication relay 212 cancomprise a user end device within a moving vehicle within amunicipality's public transportation system (e.g., bus, train, subway,etc.). Further, the mobile communication relay 212 can comprise acommunication device associated with the vehicle such as the navigationsystem, entertainment system, the self-driving system, etc. A mobilenetwork operator can provision the user end device associated with thevehicle as a mobile communication relay 212 to provide a directcommunication link 210 a to one or more user end devices such as userend device 217 and user end device 219. Further, each of the user enddevice 217 can comprise a navigation system, entertainment system,self-driving system, etc. associated with a vehicle and can receivemedia content (e.g., streaming a movie from a streaming platform) fromthe base station via the mobile communication relay 212 over the directcommunication links 210 a utilizing the Sidelink protocol. In addition,user end device 219 can comprise a navigation system, entertainmentsystem, self-driving system, etc. associated with a vehicle and canreceive other media content (e.g., streaming another movie from astreaming platform) from the base station via the mobile communicationrelay 212, the direct communication link 210 a utilizing the Sidelinkprotocol, user end device 217 over direct communication link 210 dutilizing the Sidelink protocol.

In one or more embodiments, the mobile communication relay 212 candetect a mobility event associated with the mobile network. In someembodiments, the mobile communication relay 212 or base station 202 canpredict that the mobile communication relay will experience an imminentmobility event (e.g., handover mased on mobility vector of mobilecommunication relay 212, network conditions, etc.) Further, the mobilecommunication relay 212 can provide a notification message to networkdevice 203 indicating that it will be experiencing a mobility event(prior to experiencing the mobility event). In addition, the mobilecommunication relay 212 can obtain instructions from the network device203 that indicate to provide a mobility event notification. Also, theinstructions can indicate to provide a downstream mobile eventnotification to user end device 217 or indicate to provide an upstreammobile event notification to the base station 202.

In one or more embodiments, the user end device 217 can receive thedownstream mobile event notification (e.g., a Sidelink Relay DownstreamNotification (SRDN) message) and identify a group of network devicesthat can include mobile communication relay 214 and mobile communicationrelay 216 to establish a direct communication link utilizing theSidelink protocol prior to any service disruption caused by the mobilityevent that will be experienced by the mobile communication relay 212. Toselect either mobile communication relay 214 or mobile communicationrelay 216, the user end device 217 can determine a signal strength fromeach of the mobile communication relay 214 and mobile communicationrelay 216. The user end device 217 can determine the signal strengthfrom each of the mobile communication relay 214 and mobile communicationrelay 216 by requesting a measurement report for the signal strengthsfrom base station 202, which can provide the signal strengths to theuser end device 217, accordingly.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the user end device 217 can determine that each ofmobile communication relay 214 and mobile communication relay 216 has asignal strength between it and user end device 217 that is above asignal strength threshold that indicates either mobile communicationrelay 214 or mobile communication relay 216 can provide satisfactory QoEto user end device 217. However, the user end device 217 can determinefrom the measurement report that mobile communication relay 216 has ahigher signal strength than mobile communication relay 214 and selectsmobile communication relay 216 accordingly and then establishes a directcommunication link utilizing the Sidelink protocol with mobilecommunication relay 214. In some embodiments, the establishing of thedirect communication link utilizing the Sidelink protocol by the userend device 217 can include initiating a Radio Resource Configuration(RRC) reconfiguration. An RRC reconfiguration can include user enddevice 217 notifying base station 202 that it is establishing a directcommunication link utilizing the Sidelink protocol with mobilecommunication relay 216 and the base station provisioning any resourcesnecessary in the mobile network including to mobile communication relay216 to assist or facilitate the establishing of the direct communicationlink utilizing the Sidelink protocol between mobile communication relay216 and user end device 217.

Referring to FIG. 2C, the user end device 217 can determine that each ofmobile communication relay 214 and mobile communication relay 216 has asignal strength between it and user end device 217 that is above asignal strength threshold. Further, the user end device 217 candetermine from the measurement report that mobile communication relay216 has a higher signal strength than mobile communication relay 214,but the user end device can determine that mobile communication relay216 is mobile device, which may likely experience a mobility eventsooner than mobile communication relay 214, which is stationary (e.g.,mobile communication relay 214 can comprise a user end device locatedwith a building such a city hall). Thus, user end device 217 can selectmobile communication relay 214 accordingly and then establishes a directcommunication link utilizing the Sidelink protocol. In some embodiments,the establishing of the direct communication link utilizing the Sidelinkprotocol by the user end device 217 can include initiating a RadioResource Configuration (RRC) reconfiguration as described herein.

In one or more embodiments, the base station 202 can receive an upstreammobility event notification (e.g., Sidelink Relay Upstream Notification(SRUN)) from user end device 217. Further, the base station 202 canidentify the mobile communication relay 214, and notify each of mobilecommunication relay 214 and user end device 217 to establish a directcommunication link 210 c utilizing the Sidelink protocol prior to themobility event that will be experienced by mobile communication relay212 to maintain service continuity and avoid any service disruption dueto the mobility event.

Referring to FIG. 2D, if any downstream user end device from user enddevice 217 is affected by the mobility event experienced by mobilecommunication relay 212 such as user end device 219 because of thedirect communication link 210 d, then the direct communication link 210d is maintained/continued, or reestablished after direct communicationlink 210 c is established between mobile communication relay 214 anduser end device 217.

FIGS. 2E-2I depict illustrative embodiments of methods in accordancewith various aspects described herein. Referring to FIG. 2E, in one ormore embodiments, method 220 illustrates a transition diagram between auser end device 220 a, mobile communication relay 220 b experiencing amobility event, base station (or other mobile communication relay) 220c, and a target mobile communication relay (or target base station) 220d. At step 220 e, the mobile communication relay 220 b and the user enddevice 220 a can exchange user data (e.g., streaming media content) overa direct communication link utilizing the Sidelink protocol. At step 220f, after detecting that it will experience a mobility event, the mobilecommunication relay 220 b can send a SRDN message to the user end device220 a of the imminent mobility event. At step 220 g, the user end device220 a requests a measurement report of the signal strengths of othermobile communication relays or base stations in proximity to it toestablish a direct communication link utilizing the Sidelink protocolprior to the mobility event. At step 220 h, after selecting the targetmobile communication relay 220 d, the user end device 220 a initiates aRRC reconfiguration with the mobile communication relay 220 b. At step220 j, the user end device 220 a completes the RRC configuration toestablish the direct communication link utilizing the Sidelink protocolwith the target mobile communication relay 220 d. At step 220 k, theuser end device 220 a exchanges the user data (e.g., streaming mediacontent) with the target mobile communication relay 220 d, therebymaintaining service continuity.

Referring to FIG. 2F, in one or more embodiments, method 230 illustratesa transition diagram between a user end device 230 a, mobilecommunication relay 230 b experiencing a mobility event, base station(or other mobile communication relay) 230 c, and a target mobilecommunication relay (or target base station) 230 d. At step 230 e, themobile communication relay 220 b and the user end device 220 a canexchange user data (e.g., streaming media content) over a directcommunication link utilizing the Sidelink protocol. At step 230 f, afterdetecting that it will experience a mobility event, the mobilecommunication relay 220 b can send a SRUN message to the base station230 c of the imminent mobility event. At step 230 g, after selecting thetarget mobile communication relay 230 d, the base station 230 cinitiates a RRC reconfiguration of the direct communication link betweenthe user end device 230 a and the mobile communication relay 230 b. Atstep 220 h, the user end device 230 a completes the RRC configuration toestablish the direct communication link utilizing the Sidelink protocolwith the target mobile communication relay 230 d. At step 230 k, theuser end device 220 a exchanges the user data (e.g., streaming mediacontent) with the target mobile communication relay 220 d, therebymaintaining service continuity.

Referring to FIG. 2G, in one or more embodiments, aspects of method 240can be implemented by a mobile communication relay. Further, acommunication device can comprise a user end device described herein.Method 240 can include the mobile communication relay, at 240 a,obtaining media content from a media content server over a mobilenetwork. Further, method 240 can include the mobile communication relay,at 240 b, providing the media content to a communication device over afirst direct communication link. In addition, method 240 can include themobile communication relay, at 240 c, detecting a mobility eventassociated with the mobile network. Also, method 240 can include themobile communication relay, at 240 d, providing a notification messageto a first network device associated with the mobile network. Further,the method 240 can include the mobile communication relay, at 240 e,obtaining instructions from the first network device, the instructionsindicate to provide a mobility event notification. In some embodiments,the first direct communication link can comprise a first directcommunication link utilizing a Sidelink Protocol, or a first Sidelinkcommunication link. In other embodiments, the mobile communication relaycan comprise a first Sidelink Relay.

Referring to FIG. 2H, in one or more embodiments, aspects of method 250can be implemented by the mobile communication relay or thecommunication device. The method 250 can include the mobilecommunication relay, at 250 a, providing a downstream mobility eventnotification to the communication device. In some embodiments, thedownstream mobility event notification comprises a Sidelink RelayDownstream Notification (SRDN) message. Further, the method 250 caninclude the communication device, at 250 b, identifying a group ofnetwork devices. In addition, the method 250 can include thecommunication device, at 250 c, determining a signal strength from eachof the group of network devices resulting in a group of signalstrengths. Also, the method 250 can include the communication device, at250 d, identifying a second network device from the group of networkdevices based on the group of signal strengths. In additionalembodiments, a portion of the group of signal strengths are provided ina measurement report by a base station. The method 250 can include thecommunication device, at 250 e, ceasing receiving the media content fromthe device. Further, the method 250 can include the communicationdevice, at 250 f, establishing a second direct communication link to thesecond network device. In further embodiments, the second directcommunication link comprises a second direct communication linkutilizing the Sidelink protocol, or a second Sidelink communicationlink. In some embodiments, the second network device comprises one of abase station or a second mobile communication relay (e.g., secondSidelink relay). In other embodiments, wherein the communication deviceestablishing the second direct communication link comprises initiatingand completing a first Radio Resource Configuration (RRC)reconfiguration. In addition, embodiments, the group of network devicescomprises a first portion of network devices and a second portion ofnetwork devices. Further, the first portion of the group of networkdevices comprises a group of mobile devices, and the second portion ofthe group of network devices comprises a group of stationary devices. Inaddition, the communication device identifies the second network devicefrom the group of network devices based on the second network devicecomprises a stationary device, the group of stationary devices comprisethe stationary device.

Referring to FIG. 2I, in one or more embodiments, aspects of method 260can be implemented by the mobile communication relay, communicationdevice, or one or more network devices. The method 260 can include themobile communication relay, at 260 a, providing an upstream mobilityevent notification to a third network device. In some embodiments, theupstream mobility event notification comprises a Sidelink Relay UpstreamNotification (SRUN) message. Further, the method 260 can include thethird network device, at 260 b, identifying a fourth network device toestablish a third direct communication link between the fourth networkdevice and the communication device. In addition, the method 260 caninclude the fourth network device and/or the communication device, at260 c, establishing the third direct communication link. In additionembodiments, the third direct communication link comprises a thirddirect communication link utilizing the Sidelink protocol, or a thirdSidelink communication link. In further embodiments, the fourth networkdevice comprises one of a base station or a third Sidelink Relay. Insome embodiments, the fourth network device or communication deviceestablishing the third direct communication link comprises initiatingand completing a second RRC reconfiguration.

In one or more embodiments, the mobile communication relay can obtainmedia content from a media content server over a mobile network.Further, the mobile communication relay can provide the media content toa communication device over a first direct communication link. Inaddition, the mobile communication relay can detect a mobility eventassociated with the mobile network. Also, the mobile communication relaycan provide a notification message to a first network device associatedwith the mobile network. Further, the mobile communication relay canobtain instructions from the first network device. The instructionsindicate to provide a downstream mobility event notification to thecommunication device. In addition, the communication device can identifya group of network devices. Also, the communication device can determinea signal strength from each of the group of network devices resulting ina group of signal strengths. Further, the communication device canidentify a second network device from the group of network devices basedon the group of signal strengths. In addition, the communication devicecan establish a second direct communication link between thecommunication device and the second network device.

In one or more embodiments, a mobile communication relay can obtainmedia content from a media content server over a mobile network.Further, the mobile communication relay can provide the media content toa communication device over a first direct communication link. Inaddition, the mobile communication relay can detect a mobility eventassociated with the mobile network. Also, the mobile communication relaycan provide a notification message to a first network device associatedwith the mobile network. Further, the mobile communication relay canobtain instructions from the first network device. The instructionsindicate to provide a mobility event notification. In addition, themobile communication relay can identify a second network device from agroup of network devices. Also, the mobile communication relay canprovide an upstream mobility event notification to the second networkdevice. The second network device can establish a second directcommunication link between the second network device and thecommunication device.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of steps or blocks inFIGS. 2E-2I, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimedsubject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocksmay occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks fromwhat is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustratedblocks may be required to implement the methods described herein.

Portions of some embodiments can be combined with portions of otherembodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a block diagram 300 is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication networkin accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular avirtualized communication network is presented that can be used toimplement some or all of the subsystems and functions of system 100, thesubsystems and functions of systems 200 a, 200 b, 200 c, 200 d, andmethods 220, 230, 240, 250, and 260 presented in FIGS. 1, 2A-2I, and 3.For example, virtualized communication network 300 can facilitate inwhole or in part maintaining service continuity for a user end devicecommunicatively coupled to a mobile communication relay over a directcommunication link when the mobile communication relay experiences amobility event.

In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that leveragescloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and scalability via atransport layer 350, a virtualized network function cloud 325 and/or oneor more cloud computing environments 375. In various embodiments, thiscloud networking architecture is an open architecture that leveragesapplication programming interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity fromservices and operations; supports more nimble business models; andrapidly and seamlessly scales to meet evolving customer requirementsincluding traffic growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity ofperformance and reliability expectations.

In contrast to traditional network elements—which are typicallyintegrated to perform a single function, the virtualized communicationnetwork employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 330, 332, 334, etc. thatperform some or all of the functions of network elements 150, 152, 154,156, etc. For example, the network architecture can provide a substrateof networking capability, often called Network Function VirtualizationInfrastructure (NFVI) or simply infrastructure that is capable of beingdirected with software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocolsto perform a broad variety of network functions and services. Thisinfrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most typicaltype of substrate being servers that support Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding capabilities basedon generic computing resources, with specialized network technologiesbrought to bear when general purpose processors or general purposeintegrated circuit devices offered by merchants (referred to herein asmerchant silicon) are not appropriate. In this case, communicationservices can be implemented as cloud-centric workloads.

As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in FIG. 1 ),such as an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 330 composed of NFVsoftware modules, merchant silicon, and associated controllers. Thesoftware can be written so that increasing workload consumes incrementalresources from a common resource pool, and moreover so that it'selastic: so the resources are only consumed when needed. In a similarfashion, other network elements such as other routers, switches, edgecaches, and middle-boxes are instantiated from the common resource pool.Such sharing of infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planningand growing infrastructure easier to manage.

In an embodiment, the transport layer 350 includes fiber, cable, wiredand/or wireless transport elements, network elements and interfaces toprovide broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130,media access 140 and/or access to content sources 175 for distributionof content to any or all of the access technologies. In particular, insome cases a network element needs to be positioned at a specific place,and this allows for less sharing of common infrastructure. Other times,the network elements have specific physical layer adapters that cannotbe abstracted or virtualized, and might require special DSP code andanalog front-ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementationas VNEs 330, 332 or 334. These network elements can be included intransport layer 350.

The virtualized network function cloud 325 interfaces with the transportlayer 350 to provide the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide specificNFVs. In particular, the virtualized network function cloud 325leverages cloud operations, applications, and architectures to supportnetworking workloads. The virtualized network elements 330, 332 and 334can employ network function software that provides either a one-for-onemapping of traditional network element function or alternately somecombination of network functions designed for cloud computing. Forexample, VNEs 330, 332 and 334 can include route reflectors, domain namesystem (DNS) servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)servers, system architecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility managemententity (MME) gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers forIP-VPN, Ethernet and other services, load balancers, distributers andother network elements. Because these elements don't typically need toforward large amounts of traffic, their workload can be distributedacross a number of servers—each of which adds a portion of thecapability, and overall which creates an elastic function with higheravailability than its former monolithic version. These virtual networkelements 330, 332, 334, etc. can be instantiated and managed using anorchestration approach similar to those used in cloud compute services.

The cloud computing environments 375 can interface with the virtualizednetwork function cloud 325 via APIs that expose functional capabilitiesof the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide the flexible and expandedcapabilities to the virtualized network function cloud 325. Inparticular, network workloads may have applications distributed acrossthe virtualized network function cloud 325 and cloud computingenvironment 375 and in the commercial cloud, or might simply orchestrateworkloads supported entirely in NFV infrastructure from these thirdparty locations.

Turning now to FIG. 4 , there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. In order to provide additional context for various embodimentsof the embodiments described herein, FIG. 4 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 400 in which the various embodiments of thesubject disclosure can be implemented. In particular, computingenvironment 400 can be used in the implementation of network elements150, 152, 154, 156, access terminal 112, base station or access point122, switching device 132, media terminal 142, and/or VNEs 330, 332,334, etc. Each of these devices can be implemented viacomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,and/or in combination with other program modules and/or as a combinationof hardware and software. For example, computing environment 400 canfacilitate in whole or in part maintaining service continuity for a userend device communicatively coupled to a mobile communication relay overa direct communication link when the mobile communication relayexperiences a mobility event. Further, each of base station 202, networkdevice 203, mmW node 204, mobile communication relay 212, mobilecommunication relay 214, mobile communication relay 216, user end device217, user end device 219, user end device 220 a, mobile communicationrelay 220 b, base station 220 c (or mobile communication relay), targetmobile communication relay 220 d (or target base station), user enddevice 230 a, mobile communication relay 230 b, base station 230 c (ormobile communication relay), target mobile communication relay 230 d (ortarget base station) can comprise computing environment 400.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more processors aswell as other application specific circuits such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit, state machine,programmable gate array or other circuit that processes input signals ordata and that produces output signals or data in response thereto. Itshould be noted that while any functions and features described hereinin association with the operation of a processor could likewise beperformed by a processing circuit.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 4 , the example environment can comprise acomputer 402, the computer 402 comprising a processing unit 404, asystem memory 406 and a system bus 408. The system bus 408 couplessystem components including, but not limited to, the system memory 406to the processing unit 404. The processing unit 404 can be any ofvarious commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors andother multiprocessor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 404.

The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 406comprises ROM 410 and RAM 412. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can bestored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within the computer 402,such as during startup. The RAM 412 can also comprise a high-speed RAMsuch as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 402 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 414(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 414 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 416, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette418) and an optical disk drive 420, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 422 or,to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as theDVD). The HDD 414, magnetic FDD 416 and optical disk drive 420 can beconnected to the system bus 408 by a hard disk drive interface 424, amagnetic disk drive interface 426 and an optical drive interface 428,respectively. The hard disk drive interface 424 for external driveimplementations comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus(USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies arewithin contemplation of the embodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 402, the drives and storagemedia accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refersto a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and aremovable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of storage media which arereadable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methodsdescribed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 412,comprising an operating system 430, one or more application programs432, other program modules 434 and program data 436. All or portions ofthe operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 412. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 402 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 438 and apointing device, such as a mouse 440. Other input devices (not shown)can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick,a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and otherinput devices are often connected to the processing unit 404 through aninput device interface 442 that can be coupled to the system bus 408,but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, anIEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 444 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video adapter 446. Itwill also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 444can also be any display device (e.g., another computer having a display,a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.) for receiving displayinformation associated with computer 402 via any communication means,including via the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to themonitor 444, a computer typically comprises other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 402 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 448. The remotecomputer(s) 448 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer402, although, for purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storagedevice 450 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 452 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402 can beconnected to the LAN 452 through a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 can facilitate wiredor wireless communication to the LAN 452, which can also comprise awireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter 456.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402 can comprisea modem 458 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN454 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 454,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 458, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the systembus 408 via the input device interface 442. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 402 or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are example and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers can beused.

The computer 402 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a predefined structure as with a conventionalnetwork or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , an embodiment 500 of a mobile network platform510 is shown that is an example of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156,and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. For example, platform 510 can facilitatein whole or in part maintaining service continuity for a user end devicecommunicatively coupled to a mobile communication relay over a directcommunication link when the mobile communication relay experiences amobility event. In one or more embodiments, the mobile network platform510 can generate and receive signals transmitted and received by basestations or access points such as base station or access point 122.Generally, mobile network platform 510 can comprise components, e.g.,nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers, or disparate platforms, thatfacilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol (IP),frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and circuit-switched (CS)traffic (e.g., voice and data), as well as control generation fornetworked wireless telecommunication. As a non-limiting example, mobilenetwork platform 510 can be included in telecommunications carriernetworks, and can be considered carrier-side components as discussedelsewhere herein. Mobile network platform 510 comprises CS gatewaynode(s) 512 which can interface CS traffic received from legacy networkslike telephony network(s) 540 (e.g., public switched telephone network(PSTN), or public land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system #7(SS7) network 560. CS gateway node(s) 512 can authorize and authenticatetraffic (e.g., voice) arising from such networks. Additionally, CSgateway node(s) 512 can access mobility, or roaming, data generatedthrough SS7 network 560; for instance, mobility data stored in a visitedlocation register (VLR), which can reside in memory 530. Moreover, CSgateway node(s) 512 interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PSgateway node(s) 518. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS gatewaynode(s) 512 can be realized at least in part in gateway GPRS supportnode(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated that functionality and specificoperation of CS gateway node(s) 512, PS gateway node(s) 518, and servingnode(s) 516, is provided and dictated by radio technology(ies) utilizedby mobile network platform 510 for telecommunication over a radio accessnetwork 520 with other devices, such as a radiotelephone 575.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 518 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions cancomprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to themobile network platform 510, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 550,enterprise network(s) 570, and service network(s) 580, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 510 through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to benoted that WANs 550 and enterprise network(s) 570 can embody, at leastin part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Basedon radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) orradio access network 520, PS gateway node(s) 518 can generate packetdata protocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 518 cancomprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 500, mobile network platform 510 also comprises servingnode(s) 516 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) in the radio access network 520, convey thevarious packetized flows of data streams received through PS gatewaynode(s) 518. It is to be noted that for technology resource(s) that relyprimarily on CS communication, server node(s) can deliver trafficwithout reliance on PS gateway node(s) 518; for example, server node(s)can embody at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, ina 3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 516 can be embodied in serving GPRSsupport node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)514 in mobile network platform 510 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can comprise add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bymobile network platform 510. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 518 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 516 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 514 can comprise utilityserver(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through mobile network platform 510 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 512and PS gateway node(s) 518 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 550 or GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s)can also provision coverage through networks associated to mobilenetwork platform 510 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same serviceprovider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown in FIG. 1(s)that enhance wireless service coverage by providing more networkcoverage.

It is to be noted that server(s) 514 can comprise one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of mobilenetwork platform 510. To that end, the one or more processor can executecode instructions stored in memory 530, for example. It is should beappreciated that server(s) 514 can comprise a content manager, whichoperates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment 500, memory 530 can store information related tooperation of mobile network platform 510. Other operational informationcan comprise provisioning information of mobile devices served throughmobile network platform 510, subscriber databases; applicationintelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates, flat-rateprograms, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s) consistentwith telecommunication protocols for operation of disparate radio, orwireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 530 can also storeinformation from at least one of telephony network(s) 540, WAN 550, SS7network 560, or enterprise network(s) 570. In an aspect, memory 530 canbe, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as aremotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 5 , and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

Turning now to FIG. 6 , an illustrative embodiment of a communicationdevice 600 is shown. The communication device 600 can serve as anillustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals 114, mobiledevices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144 or other client devicesfor communication via either communications network 125. For example,communication device 600 can facilitate in whole or in part maintainingservice continuity for a user end device communicatively coupled to amobile communication relay over a direct communication link when themobile communication relay experiences a mobility event. Further, eachof base station 202, network device 203, mmW node 204, mobilecommunication relay 212, mobile communication relay 214, mobilecommunication relay 216, user end device 217, user end device 219, userend device 220 a, mobile communication relay 220 b, base station 220 c(or mobile communication relay), target mobile communication relay 220 d(or target base station), user end device 230 a, mobile communicationrelay 230 b, base station 230 c (or mobile communication relay), targetmobile communication relay 230 d (or target base station) can comprisecommunication device 600.

The communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, apower supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion sensor 618, anorientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 602 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 608 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display610 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 600. In anembodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 608 can be presented by way of the display 610 withnavigation features.

The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 600 can be adapted to present a user interfacehaving graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The display 610 can be equipped withcapacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect howmuch surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of thetouch screen display. This sensing information can be used to controlthe manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the userinterface. The display 610 can be an integral part of the housingassembly of the communication device 600 or an independent devicecommunicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 612 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 612 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI604 can further include an image sensor 613 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 600 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable communications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 600 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 618can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 606 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 600.

Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 600 can include a slot for adding or removing an identity modulesuch as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Universal IntegratedCircuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used for identifyingsubscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and soon.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, comprisingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, etc.), microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Theillustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network; however, some if not allaspects of the subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alonecomputers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules canbe located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of services can begenerated including services being accessed, media consumption history,user preferences, and so forth. This information can be obtained byvarious methods including user input, detecting types of communications(e.g., video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams,sampling, and so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring ofthis information can be responsive to an authorization provided by theuser. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be subject toauthorization from user(s) associated with the data, such as an opt-in,an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements, notifications, selectiveauthorization based on types of data, and so forth.

Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ artificialintelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more featuresdescribed herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection withautomatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a maximumvalue/benefit after addition to an existing communication network) canemploy various AI-based schemes for carrying out various embodimentsthereof. Moreover, the classifier can be employed to determine a rankingor priority of each cell site of the acquired network. A classifier is afunction that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . ,xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is,f(x)=confidence (class). Such classification can employ a probabilisticand/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysisutilities and costs) to determine or infer an action that a user desiresto be automatically performed. A support vector machine (SVM) is anexample of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates byfinding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which thehypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from thenon-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classificationcorrect for testing data that is near, but not identical to trainingdata. Other directed and undirected model classification approachescomprise, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neuralnetworks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification modelsproviding different patterns of independence can be employed.Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statisticalregression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing UEbehavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to predetermined criteria which of the acquiredcell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which ofthe acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existingcommunication network coverage, etc.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, theterms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By wayof illustration and not limitation, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by asoftware or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. While various components have beenillustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiplecomponents can be implemented as a single component, or a singlecomponent can be implemented as multiple components, without departingfrom example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to awireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wirelesscommunication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video,sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. Theforegoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with referenceto the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” data storage,” “database,”and substantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to”, “coupledto”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via one or more intervening items. Suchitems and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions,communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functionalblocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signalconveyed from a first item to a second item may be modified by one ormore intervening items by modifying the form, nature or format ofinformation in a signal, while one or more elements of the informationin the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can berecognized by the second item. In a further example of indirectcoupling, an action in a first item can cause a reaction on the seconditem, as a result of actions and/or reactions in one or more interveningitems.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a processing systemincluding a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructionsthat, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance ofoperations, the operations comprising: obtaining media content from amedia content server over a mobile network; providing the media contentto a communication device over a first direct communication link;detecting a mobility event associated with the mobile network; providinga notification message to a first network device associated with themobile network; and obtaining instructions from the first networkdevice, wherein the instructions indicate to provide a mobility eventnotification.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first directcommunication link comprises a first Sidelink communication link,wherein the device comprises a first Sidelink Relay.
 3. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the mobility event comprises one of a handover, a RadioLink Failure (RLF), dual connectivity, a cell group change, orcombination thereof.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the operationsfurther comprise providing a downstream mobility event notification tothe communication device.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein thedownstream mobility event notification comprises a Sidelink RelayDownstream Notification (SRDN) message.
 6. The device of claim 4,wherein the communication device identifies a group of network devices,wherein the communication device determines a signal strength from eachof the group of network devices resulting in a group of signalstrengths, wherein the communication device identifies a second networkdevice from the group of network devices based on the group of signalstrengths.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein a portion of the group ofsignal strengths are provided in a measurement report.
 8. The device ofclaim 6, wherein the communication device ceases receiving the mediacontent from the device, wherein the communication device establishes asecond direct communication link to the second network device.
 9. Thedevice of claim 8, wherein the second direct communication linkcomprises a second Sidelink communication link.
 10. The device of claim8, wherein the second network device comprises one of a base station ora second Sidelink Relay.
 11. The device of claim 8, wherein thecommunication device establishing the second direct communication linkcomprises initiating and completing a first Radio Resource Configuration(RRC) reconfiguration.
 12. The device of claim 6, wherein the group ofnetwork devices comprises a first portion of network devices and asecond portion of network devices, wherein the first portion of thegroup of network devices comprises a group of mobile devices, whereinthe second portion of the group of network devices comprises a group ofstationary devices, wherein the communication device identifies thesecond network device from the group of network devices based on thesecond network device comprises a stationary device, wherein the groupof stationary devices comprise the stationary device.
 13. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the operations further comprise providing an upstreammobility event notification to a third network device.
 14. The device ofclaim 13, wherein the upstream mobility event notification comprises aSidelink Relay Upstream Notification (SRUN) message.
 15. The device ofclaim 13, wherein the third network device identifies a fourth networkdevice to establish a third direct communication link between the fourthnetwork device and the communication device.
 16. The device of claim 15,wherein the third direct communication link comprises a third Sidelinkcommunication link.
 17. The device of claim 15, wherein the fourthnetwork device comprises one of a base station or a third SidelinkRelay.
 18. The device of claim 15, wherein the fourth network deviceestablishing the third direct communication link comprises initiatingand completing a second RRC reconfiguration.
 19. A non-transitory,machine-readable medium, comprising executable instructions that, whenexecuted by a processing system including a processor, facilitateperformance of operations, the operations comprising: obtaining mediacontent from a media content server over a mobile network; providing themedia content to a communication device over a first directcommunication link; predicting a mobility event associated with themobile network; providing a notification message to a first networkdevice associated with the mobile network; and obtaining instructionsfrom the first network device, wherein the instructions indicate toprovide a downstream mobility event notification to the communicationdevice, wherein the communication device identifies a group of networkdevices, wherein the communication device determines a signal strengthfrom each of the group of network devices resulting in a group of signalstrengths, wherein the communication device identifies a second networkdevice from the group of network devices based on the group of signalstrengths, wherein the communication device establishes a second directcommunication link between the communication device and the secondnetwork device.
 20. A method, comprising: obtaining, by a processingsystem and a processor, media content from a media content server over amobile network; providing, by the processing system, the media contentto a communication device over a first direct communication link;detecting, by the processing system, a mobility event associated withthe mobile network; providing, by the processing system, a notificationmessage to a first network device associated with the mobile network;obtaining, by the processing system, instructions from the first networkdevice, wherein the instructions indicate to provide a mobility eventnotification; identifying, by the processing system, a second networkdevice from a group of network devices; and providing, by the processingsystem, an upstream mobility event notification to the second networkdevice, wherein the second network device establishes a second directcommunication link between the second network device and thecommunication device.